Your browser settings have JavaScript disabled. Some features of the site are not available or will not work correctly without JavaScript. See How to enable JavaScript.

Your browser is configured to not accept cookies.
Some features of the site are not available or will not work correctly without cookies. Also, some information presented might not apply to your situation.See How to enable cookies

Our history, our museum

Discover the birthplace of cooperation in this 15-minute virtual tour - This link will open in a new window. and learn about
the origins of the very first cooperative group in North America. This video visit will offer you an in-depth look at the lives of Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins, founders of Desjardins Group. Delve into their history, and witness it as though
you were there.

History

The history of Desjardins Group is thoroughly intertwined with that of modern Quebec. For over 100 years now, the development of the Desjardins network and the diversification of its activities paralleled the social and economic boom of the
province. Desjardins, one of the biggest financial groups in Canada today, has always been true to the philosophy of its founder: to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Alphonse Desjardins, founder of caisses populaires, was born on November 4, 1854, in Lévis. Over the course of his lifetime he was in the military, a journalist, editor of Legislative Assembly of Québec proceedings and
French stenographer at the House of Commons in Ottawa. Building on his personal experience in the area of association and local development in Lévis, he began seeking a financial solution to the socio-economic problems of his fellow citizens.

By championed the idea of cooperation to curb usury1, improve conditions for the working class and contribute to the economic development of French Canadians. After much research, he
founded the first caisse populaire in Lévis on December 6, 1900.

He died on October 31, 1920, after personally helping found 163 caisses populaires in Quebec, 18 in Ontario and at least 9 in the United States, not to mention a few credit unions.

Dorimène Desjardins was born on September 17, 1858, in Sorel. She married Alphonse Desjardins on September 2, 1879, in Sorel, and their union yielded 10 children. Like many women of her time, she lived in her husband's shadow. But
each time the opportunity arose, she played an important role in the promotion of caisses populaires.

Between 1903 and 1906, in particular, she managed without title or salary the Caisse populaire de Lévis. After her husband's death in 1920, many called upon her to interpret his thoughts. This led Dorimène to acquire great
moral authority, particularly with officers of Quebec City area caisses who consulted her on verification practices and the idea of a central caisse.

She died on June 14, 1932, in Lévis. She can in many ways be considered the co-founder of Desjardins caisses populaires.

The founder of Desjardins Group, Alphonse Desjardins was the figurehead of the fledgling caisse network until his death in 1920. He held no official title other than president of the very first caisse.

The presidents who followed left their mark on the history of Desjardins Group. Each worked in a different context with his or her own skills and experience.

3 graphics showing the history of Desjardins Group, and more specifically, the number of members, caisses and service centres as well as total assets of this constantly growing cooperative financial institution.

Desjardins Group's logo has evolved throughout its history, all the while retaining some basic components. In addition to official logos, Canada's leading financial cooperative has used a variety of images to represent it.

The history of Desjardins Group is a broad subject. If you'd like to know more, here is some suggested reading. You can also read an original text composed by Alphonse Desjardins.

You can direct questions about Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins, the history of Desjardins caisses and Desjardins Group to Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins, which offers historical consultation services.

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins is a museum devoted to promoting the origins of Desjardins Group and the history of its founder and co-founder, Alphonse Desjardins and Dorimène Desjardins.

It was the Desjardins family residence for more than half a century and housed the head office of Caisse populaire de Lévis from 1900 to 1906. It was between these walls that the project to found the first
savings and credit cooperative in North America was developed.

Since it was built in 1883, the house served many purposes. It was a private residence for nearly 100 years and in 1981 became the property of Société historique Alphonse Desjardins. First
converted into an interpretive centre, it became a recognized museum in 2001.

Since it was opened to the public 30 years ago, several thousand visitors from here and abroad visit the house each year to learn its fascinating history.

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins holds a unique place in North America's collective heritage. The cradle of the cooperative savings and credit movement, it was the site of significant historical events. It received the
visit of several influential people and saw the start of what would become the largest cooperative financial group in Canada.

The significant heritage and historical value of this commemorative site has been pointed out several times, receiving official recognition. Maison Alphonse-Desjardins is a "recognized museum", a
"cultural property" classified as a "historic monument" whose first owners, Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins, were each designated a "National Historic Person". It housed the head office of Caisse
populaire de Lévis, whose founding was recognized as a "National Historic Event".

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins invites you to take an intimate look at the history of a couple who, through their commitment and tenacity, worked to achieve a great dream.

The house was painstakingly restored in the Victorian style, transporting visitors back to 1906 when the Desjardins family lived there and operated the head office of Caisse populaire de Lévis out of their
home. Guided tours give visitors an opportunity to see the context in which the major cooperative project emerged and a glimpse into the family's domestic world.

The permanent exhibit, The legacy of a couple, features the inspiring biographical journey of Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins. It includes artifacts, photos and recordings depicting the defining events in the
couple's history and that of the caisses populaires. It is, for visitors, a touching encounter with the cooperators who faced many challenges to leave their fellow citizens a precious legacy.

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins offers customized, dynamic tours that reflect the unique character of the site. The museum is open year-round and admission is free.

You'll be transported back to the last century when you put on the clothes of those who made cooperation thrive in the Desjardins family home. When you visit, you'll have the chance to participate in a rally that will fascinate you with the rich
history of the century-old home and the people who lived there.

Some strange objects got into the Desjardins family home that didn't exist in the Victorian period. Can you find them? Come put your observation skills to the test and win a chocolate treat that you can decorate with spring-coloured candies.

Victorian vacationAugust 7 to 27, 2017Free admission

Intriguing discoveries await you as you explore the holiday-making world of Victorians! Learn all about vacationers of the 19th century: who they were, where they stayed, what they did for fun and what they wore. You'll get a glimpse of the
Quebec countryside at the time when it was fast becoming a popular holiday destination.

On weekends, borrow one of our guest baskets filled with games and refreshments and relax outside the museum.

A piggy bank will have much to say about an important day in young Paul Desjardins's life, one on which he got a surprise from his father. The puppet show features both music and fantasy. We can't tell you what comes next . . . it's a
surprise!!

For kids ages 4 to 7
Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Visit the Innovation Through Cooperation exhibit on September 30 and October 1, 2017: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free admission

During Journées de la culture, come explore the museum collection and archives where Desjardins Group's historical heritage is stored. Take advantage of your visit to see the new Innovating Through
Cooperation interactive exhibit. Follow in the footsteps of 4 characters and learn about the country's largest financial cooperative's innovations since the year 2000.

Photo credit: Claude CôtéDesjardins Group

A Victorian Christmas with the Desjardins familyNovember 23, 2017 to January 7, 2018Free admission.

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins gets into the spirit of Christmas and the New Year, honouring Victorian holiday traditions.

Why do we decorate Christmas trees and send cards? What were the most popular foods during this time of year? You'll learn more about the origins of our holiday customs and how they were practiced by the Desjardins family.

Children will be able to take home the ornament they make and all visitors will be able to taste plum pudding on Saturdays and Sundays.

Édifice Desjardins

Inaugurated in 1950, the building in the heart of Old Lévis was designed to be a living monument to Alphonse Desjardins' glory. A genuine symbol of unity, it housed all Lévis-based Desjardins Group under the same roof.

Today, the Art-Deco inspired building houses Desjardins Group historical archives and museum collection preservation facilities. On the ground floor are 2 free exhibits open to the public, highlighting the rich historical heritage of Desjardins
Group and Quebec society in the post-war period. The exhibits include artifacts and archival photos and videos.

The POP-SAC-À-VIE…in the footsteps of a movement exhibit features over 100 objects and paper and audiovisual archive documents that illustrate the economic and social contributions of
Desjardins, its educational role and deep, regional roots.

Through the Innovating Through Cooperation exhibit, you'll discover, by means of an interactive wall, Desjardins's most recent innovations since the year 2000. On display are 4 themes that allow you to go back in time to
see Desjardins Group initiatives in the fields of financial education, socio-economic development and new technologies to meet the needs of members and clients.

Free guided tours

You can view the Édifice Desjardins exhibit on your own. You may also make a reservation for a guided tour by contacting Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins.

Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins

Desjardins Group officers created Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins (SHAD) in 1979. Its mission is "to safeguard and promote the history and heritage of the Desjardins Group and its founder, for
the benefit of current and future generations".

Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins focuses on 3 main areas of activity: the safeguard and promotion of the heritage left behind by Alphonse Desjardins, Dorimène Desjardins and their successors,
historical research and historical interpretation.

Its services are available to Desjardins Group officers, personnel and members, to cooperators in Canada and abroad and to the general public.

Maison Alphonse-Desjardins is a museum devoted to promoting the origins of Desjardins Group and the history of its founder and co-founder, Alphonse Desjardins and Dorimène Desjardins.

It was the Desjardins family residence for more than half a century and housed the head office of Caisse populaire de Lévis from 1900 to 1906. It was between these walls that the project to found the first
savings and credit cooperative in North America was developed.

Inaugurated in 1950, the building in the heart of Old Lévis was designed to be a living monument to Alphonse Desjardins' glory. A genuine symbol of unity, it housed all Lévis-based Desjardins Group under the same roof.

Today, the Art-Deco inspired building houses Desjardins Group historical archives and museum collection preservation facilities. On the ground floor are 2 free exhibits open to the public, highlighting the rich historical heritage of Desjardins
Group and Quebec society in the post-war period. The exhibits include artifacts and archival photos and videos.

Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins employs historians who research the history of Desjardins Group and the lives of Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins.

Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins also offers advisory services such as processing information requests, providing support for the research and writing of historical documents about Desjardins
Group, and carrying out historical studies.

A promotional information guide about the history of Desjardins caisses, Investir dans notre passé, is also available to other businesses and organizations.

Aware that they were taking part in a lasting endeavour, Desjardins Group officers always saw the importance of conserving traces of the past. The collections held by Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins are the result of
a long tradition of conservation.

Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins collections now include over 6,000 artifacts.

The collections include property previously owned by Alphonse Desjardins, Dorimène Desjardins and their descendents, objects that depict the material culture of the founder's era and the history of Desjardins Group, as well as an
important numismatic1 collection.

Loans of artifacts

If you are part of an organization dedicated to promoting history and heritage and want to highlight a chapter in the history of Desjardins Group, Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins can loan you a
few artifacts from its collections to enhance your exhibit.

Donations of artifacts

Société historique Alphonse-Desjardins collections come primarily from donations made by descendents of Alphonse Desjardins and Dorimène Desjardins, Desjardins Group caisses and components, and
people who either played a significant role in the history of the institution or want to enhance its collections.

If you would like to contribute to the conservation of Desjardins Group's collective heritage, contact us.

Special events and thematic tours

Special events and thematic tours take place throughout the year at Maison Alphonse-Desjardins and Édifice Desjardins. See the schedule for more information.

Advice

The information provided here is for demonstration purposes only, and is not a substitute for a professional advice.
Before making investment decisions, you are advice to speak with your caisse advisor ou your account manager at a Desjardins Business centre.
The information contained in this section should in no way be considered an advice or a recommendation by Desjardins Securities Inc.or Disnat.